The sultan during the meet and greet of the parade and field participants. - BB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): Bandar Seri Begawan was abuzz with crowds of people from all walks of life, gathered to witness the patriotic and colourful celebration of the 39th National Day at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien on Thursday (Feb 23).
The grand assembly of the National Day took place at the Taman, graced by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, along with members of the royal family.
The event began with the singing of the National Anthem by the Choir Group from the Raja Isteri Girls High School (STPRI), followed by the sultaninspecting the guard of honour before returning back to the Royal Dais.
The parade was made up of 3,900 participants.
A silat performance was also showcased by nine national Silat members who have won several medals at regional and international levels and a Silat dance performed by 60 students from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Pusar Ulak Primary Schools.
The ceremony also saw theme performance by 120 traditional musicians playing the Gambus, Gendang, Seruling and Gulingtangan, and 500 core group dancers and 2000 frame group dancers who performed a seven-minute performance alongside traditional songs namely Jipin Laila Sembah, Bandar Seri Begawan and Brunei Bumi Bertuah.
This year’s celebration retained the same theme as last year’s, ‘Menjayakan Wawasan Negara’, which is still relevant as the Sultanate aims to realise Brunei Vision 2035. The celebration emphasised cultural heritage as the nation’s identity that remains relevant to the development of the country and the nation.
The National Day celebration concluded with a flypast of six Blackhawks from the Royal Brunei Air Force led by Captain (U) Muhammad Adib Hashim.
The National Day celebration concluded with a flypast of six Blackhawks from the Royal Brunei Air Force.
Before departing from the Taman, the sultan and members of the royal family consented to meet and greet the parade and field participants.
